Shettima says the Tinubu Administration has repositioned cassava production to make the crop a key driver of industrial development, import substitution
Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has repositioned cassava production to ensure the crop becomes a key driver of industrial development and import substitution in Nigeria.
According to him, the government’s agenda for the sector is hinged on leveraging the crop as capital for re-engineering the nation’s economy, strengthening rural livelihoods, and ensuring national food and energy security.
Speaking Thursday at a ceremony in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Cassava Day, the Vice President noted that cassava, which for long symbolised food security for the vulnerable, can also signify prosperity for the ambitious.
His words: “We are moving from subsidy-heavy programmes to investment-led solutions. We are prioritising private capital, research, and coordinated action across government, academia, and development partners to drive mechanisation, agro-processing, quality inputs, and full commercialisation of cassava.”
Commenting on the theme of this year’s World Cassava Day, ‘Farm to global markets: driving industrialisation, food security and exports’, Shettima said the commemoration of the day is a call to action, just as he invited all stakeholders to see the promise of the crop.
Said he: “Let this day mark the beginning of a new era where cassava is not merely grown, but transformed. Where our fields are not only bountiful, but profitable. Where Nigeria leads not just in tonnes harvested, but in value created.
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